Bureaucratic bottleneck: Abia State Civil servants' hostility to official correspondence



In the heart of Nigeria's southeastern region lies Abia State, a land of rich culture and untapped potential. However, amidst the vibrant spirit of this state, a pressing issue has persisted over the years, stifling development and impeding the vital communication between civil society organizations and government offices. The problem at hand is the bureaucratic bottleneck that has plagued the submission of letters to government ministries, departments, and agencies in Abia State.

This bureaucratic hindrance is not a recent phenomenon; it has endured through past administrations and continues to persist even under the leadership of an astute administrator and revered banker, Dr. Alex C. Otti. Dr. Otti, who undoubtedly understands the operational standards of the corporate world, especially when it comes to official correspondence, is, unfortunately, facing a challenge within his administration—the hostility of civil servants towards acknowledging the receipt of vital letters from civil rights organizations.

Numerous civil society organizations have encountered this frustrating bureaucratic bottleneck when attempting to communicate officially with government ministries and parastatals in Abia State. Recently, a poignant example of this issue emerged when the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative penned a letter aimed at capacity building of civil servants and possibly could lead to attracting donor agencies. The letter, intended for the State Auditor General's office, was met with disbelief when the administrative officer refused to acknowledge its receipt. Astonishingly, the reason provided was an instruction allegedly given by the Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti himself. This excuse, quite frankly, appears far-fetched and unbelievable coming from an administrative officer in a public office.

One must ask, how could a seasoned professional from the corporate world, like Dr. Alex C. Otti, give such an absurd instruction to impede the vital work of civil society organizations in Abia State? This incident raises questions not only about the efficiency of official communication but also about the transparency and accountability within the state's administrative machinery.

The consequences of this longstanding correspondence hindrance in Abia State have been dire. It has contributed significantly to the state's poor development and the absence of donor agencies. Donor agencies play a crucial role in supporting initiatives that can uplift communities and improve the lives of citizens. However, when letters that could facilitate aid and collaboration are met with skepticism and resistance, it creates a hostile environment that discourages facilitators of these agencies from engaging with the Abia State Government for a proper understanding of the help to render.

There is an urgent need for the current administration in Abia State, under the leadership of Dr. Alex C. Otti, to address this anomaly. It is imperative to refute the purported instruction given by the governor and put an end to the prevailing culture of not officially acknowledging the receipt of correspondence. Open and transparent communication between government offices and civil society organizations is essential for the growth and development of Abia State.

The bureaucratic bottleneck that has persisted for years must be dismantled, and a new era of collaboration, accountability, and development must dawn. Abia State has immense potential, and it is time to unlock it by fostering an environment where civil rights organizations can effectively communicate and collaborate with government entities, ultimately leading to progress and prosperity for all its citizens.

Written by:
*Okoye, Chuka Peter*
Executive Director - Cehraws
chukesto@gmail.com